Sewing Bee Style - Series 6, Episode 9

Sewing Bee is back for another series, and we are so happy! Each week we'll be bringing you a review of the episode plus some inspiration if you felt inspired to get sewing by the challenges in the episode...

It was semi-final week this week (how quickly has that gone!) and so it seemed only right that they go for a big theme - and movie week really hit the spot!

Sewing Bee Style - Series 6, Episode 9

Pattern Challenge

First up was a Marilyn Monroe-inspired dress - you know which one we're talking about! As Esme said, this dress may look easy but the easy ones are the hardest - there was a LOT of perfect finishing and tricky techniques required for this pleated beauty! Rotary cutters were a must-have for accurate cutting on these tricky fabrics, especially the pleated stuff.

We've found a couple of Monroe-inspired styles that are a little easier to sew below, if you'd like to have a go at your own version:

Fabric Suggestions: The bees all had to use polyester type fabrics in different colours, but if you want to stay true to the original, white or ivory are best! You can go for pre-pleated but this is quite tricky to work with; for an easier sew, stick to a non-pleated fabric. Those with a silky touch and/or drape are good for a nicely hanging skirt.

Ivory Silky Satin Fabric

Ivory Satin Back Crepe Fabric

Invisible zips are hard to get perfect, but you can achieve that professional finish better with a dedicated zipper foot. This Hemline version is a great low cost version, but if you'll use it lots you may want to invest in a more expensive branded one for your machine.

It's oh-so-easy to forget those finishing essentials, so don't forget to stock up on handy habby like hook and bars! These were essential for holding up the halternecks in this challenge, but they're also very handy to have in your sewing box for skirt, trouser and dress projects!

Transformation Challenge

Scrapyard met charity shop for this transformation challenge, that took glitzy and metallic to 1000% (plus some space junk for good measure too) to make sci-fi inspired outfits. The shapes of the garments they created were dramatic and made a statement, with bold collars and sleeves... here's a few patterns that build on those bold elements and shapes:

Fabrics: anything went in this challenge - sparkly, studded, metallic, leather! Texture and shine were the main features of all the fabrics used.

Silver Metallic Moire Jersey Fabric

Windham Solids - Silver (metallic) 100% Cotton Fabric

Windham Solids - Gold (metallic) 100% Cotton Fabric

Silver Mini Sequin Fabric

Navy Glitter Knit Fabric

Black Faux Leather Fabric

Made to Measure Challenge

Chic slip style dresses and sparkly sequins, beads and feathering were essential for the flapper inspired dresses of the made to measure. Don't forget the top tip for using beaded fabric - to remove the beads before sewing your seam (hammer or no hammer!)

Fabric suggestions: again, it was all about glitz and glamour, so fabrics with high detail and texture were big hits. Think feathers, embellishments, embroidery, paired with floaty fabrics like silky satin and chiffon.